It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

At rainy Royal Portrush, caddies shield golf balls, not players. Learn why, and how water changes shots and spin in wet conditions.

Here’s the projected weather forecast for the 2025 Open Championship, which begins on Thursday morning at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The tournament gets going at 6:35 a.m. local time (1:35 a.m. ET), and it’s dicey whether we will get the full round of play in due to thunderstorms.

Rain showers can be expected at times for the 153rd Open Championship, which is being hosted on the coast of Northern Ireland.

Tuesday’s forecast for Royal Portrush will likely serve as a preview for the rest of the championship rounds – outbreaks of rain amid some sunny spells.

Westwood finished fourth when The Open was held at this venue six years ago, but is focused on enjoying the event rather than lifting the Claret Jug at the moment

Rain lashed from above, North Atlantic winds pummeled from the side, and thousands of excited, umbrella-wielding shapes swirled amongst it all, yet the man at the eye of the storm remained entirely unflustered.

A trio of Englishmen make superb starts to the 153rd Open Championship on a rain-lashed opening morning at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.